Crewsaders to cross Channel in charity swim

The 21-mile-wide channel is the busiest shipping lane in the world, but the team will also have to contend with the cold, the jellyfish and the fumes from diesel engines

By Sarah Sharples
, May 4, 2017

Four employees from Crewsaders, the conference and event staff supplier based in Birmingham, will attempt to swim the English Channel to raise funds for live events charity Backup this summer.

Kieren Stephens (pictured in orange cap), Matt Tector (red cap), Jon Selwyn (yellow cap) and Will Nutbeen will swim in a relay attempt with each one taking one-hour-long stints in the water in a predetermined order, which they can’t deviate from. The men can’t receive any assistance once in the water or even touch the boat. All of this is to be done in only speedos, a swim cap and goggles!

The 21-mile-wide channel is the busiest shipping lane in the world, but the team will also have to contend with very cold water, shoals of jellyfish and diesel fumes from the pilot vessel that will accompany them.

In order for it to be considered an official attempt, the Crewsaders’ employees need a qualified pilot, plus a boat, official and captain, which have already been organised.

The team have collectively worked in the events industry for close to 40 years, and decided that it was time to give something back to the industry they love.

They are currently undergoing a rigorous training regime to build strength, endurance, long distance swimming techniques and tolerance to the cold.

The swim is taking place from 15-19 August 2017.

“We are simply trying to raise as much as possible for charity in the process of under taking this mammoth challenge. We are fronting the £3,250 to pay for the boat, captain and official, but wish to recoup some of this from what we raise. We are covering the cost of all transport to and from training at various indoor pools, outdoor water and sea training sessions/lessons,” the men say.